ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Austin Finch - Economic Development Director, Erwin Utilities
Lee H. Brown - President & CEO, Erwin Utilities
Natalie Willis - Security Director, BTX
Leslie Morgan - District Ranger, Unaka Ranger District, Cherokee National Forest, US Forest Service
Seong Hopkins - District Recreation Program Manager, Unaka Ranger District, Cherokee National Forest, US Forest Service
Jesse English - Recreation Program Manager, Forest Landscape Architect, Supervisor’s Office, Cherokee National Forest, US Forest Service
Halley Burleson - Business Development & Operations Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator for Unaka Mountain and the Nolichucky River, Wild South
COMMUNITY MEMBERS:
Lotta Murray
Denise Brown
Ben Booher
Toney Parsley
Carrie Hovey
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVE
Create and define outdoor recreation hubs within Unicoi County that provide a variety of trail experiences for people of all ages and abilities. Identify improvements that ensure a quality visitor experience and determine land managers, project needs, and priorities.
UNICOI COUNTY PUBLIC LANDS & OUTDOOR RECREATION INFRASTRUCTURE
The portions of the Cherokee National Forest located in and near Unicoi County provide extensive outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors and residents.
• Approximately 66,000 acres of Cherokee National Forest are located in Unicoi County.
• Outdoor recreation infrastructure exists:
− Unaka Mountain Road/Scenic Drive
− Limestone Cove Day Use Area
− Rock Creek Recreation Area
− Chestoa Recreation Area
− Appalachian National Scenic Trail
− USFS System Trails
− Rocky Fork State Park
• Large portions of the Cherokee National Forest in Unicoi County are underutilized for recreation.
• Network of USFS roads (open and closed) exists that could support multiple user groups.
VISION FOR THE TOWNS OF ERWIN & UNICOI - GATEWAY COMMUNITIES
The towns of Erwin and Unicoi are well positioned to be vibrant outdoor recreation hubs and gateway communities serving nearby public lands.
• Towns of Erwin and Unicoi are adjacent to the Cherokee National Forest.
• Located near significant regional and local natural and recreational assets:
− Cherokee National Forest
− Unaka Mountain Wilderness
− Nolichucky River
− Appalachian Trail
− Erwin Linear Trail
− Unaka Bike Park
• Vibrant downtowns can support an outdoor recreation economy.
• Local businesses and organizations may have interest in investing in outdoor recreation infrastructure that makes Unicoi County a better place to work, live, and play.
• Easily accessible by I-26 and within approximately 20 miles of Johnson City and approximately 50 miles of Asheville.
UNICOI COUNTY ECONOMIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT
There is an approximate POPULATION of… 703,286 within a 60 minute driving radius
2,823,397 within a 120 minute driving radius
7,745,709 within a 180 minute driving radius …of Unicoi County.
25% of that population could be considered POTENTIAL VISITORS to the region* 175,821 - 1,936,427
*According to various trail use surveys and studies, 25% of adults used a trail in the past 12 months.
SPENDING IMPACT
As a conservative estimate, Unicoi County could expect to capture 3% of this market and assume each visitor will spend $70* during their visit.
*According to Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Study (2013) and multiplied by 1.35 to adjust for inflation.
PROJECTED MARKET CAPTURE: 3% X 175,821 = 5,274 PEOPLE 3% X 1,936,427 = 58,092 PEOPLE
CONSERVATIVE < ANNUAL ECONOMIC > IMPACT As a conservative estimate, we assume each visitor will spend $70.
5,274 visitors x $70 = $369,180 ANNUAL IMPACT 58,092 visitors x $70 = $4,066,440 ANNUAL IMPACT
RECOMMENDATIONS TO STRENGTHEN UNICOI COUNTY’S OUTDOOR RECREATION ECONOMY
Based on the success of other gateway communities, these initiatives will help strengthen and expand the outdoor economy in Unicoi County.
• Offer trail experiences for a variety of user groups of all ages and abilities.
• Create outdoor recreation hubs that provide a focused experience for specific user groups.
• Enhance existing outdoor recreation infrastructure to support hubs.
• Offer trail connectivity between hubs.
• Increase awareness of assets through wayfinding and trailhead information.
CHALLENGES TO IMPLEMENTING THE STUDY OBJECTIVE
These potential challenges were identified during the planning process and should be considered and addressed as Unicoi County moves forward.
• Existing condition of outdoor recreation infrastructure after Hurricane Helene
• Local political and community support
• USFS policy, rules, and regulations and process
• Funding sources
• Identifying stewards of existing and new outdoor recreation infrastructure to include:
− Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club
− Tennessee Trails Association
− East Tennessee Trail Association (ETTA)
− Tri-Cities SORBA
− 423 Trail Riders
− Friends of O’Brien Watershed
− Friends of Rocky Fork State Park
− Backcountry Horsemen of East Tennessee
− Wild South
GREENE COUNTY
OUTDOOR RECREATION HUB RECOMMENDATIONS
The recommendations for Unicoi County include site classification, project needs, and priority. The criteria for these categories are defined below.
SITE CLASSIFICATIONS:
Site classifications fall under one or a combination of the following three categories:
• Visitor Orientation Area - Provides kiosks with maps, rules and regulations, local outdoor recreation information, regional wayfinding information, and temporary parking.
• Developed Site - Provides parking areas with multiple amenities to provide a distinct recreational experience for visitors.
a
PROJECT NEEDS:
• Planning - Project requires additional planning, design, and engineering before being shovel-ready for construction.
• Implementation - Project plans are complete and permits secured. Project is ready for construction.
• Maintenance - Project exists and may have future maintenance and enhancement needs.
• Trailhead - Provides visitor parking, restrooms, and bear-proof trash cans.
• Trail - Provides a path for trail users and may be designed for a specific trail use.
PRIORITY:
• High
• Medium
• Low
RECOMMENDATIONS MATRIX
The specific recommendations for Unicoi County are listed below by focus area and project name, with details regarding land manager, site classification, project needs, and priority.
FOCUS AREA
PROJECT NAME
PROJECT RECOMMENDATION
INFORMATION AND HIKING HUB
Unaka Mountain Road GatewayNorth
Red Fork Falls
Appalachian TrailIron Mountain Gap Kiosk
EQUESTRIAN HUB
Limestone Cove Day Use Area
Limestone Cove Trailhead
• Develop gateway sign for Unaka Mountain Road and Wilderness
• Develop information kiosk (2-Panel) with temporary parking (3 spaces)
• Assess and develop new location for trailhead parking and trail alignment
• Develop information kiosk (1-Panel)
Unaka Trail Loop
• Maintain existing infrastructure
• Update kiosk panel to address potential trail loop options
• Maintain and assess for improvements - Rocky Branch Road (FR #4343) Stamping Ground Horse Trail (FS #110) Limestone Cove Trail (FS #30)
Limestone Trail Loop
• Maintain and assess for improvements - Rocky Branch Road (FR #4343) Limestone Cove Trail (FS #30) Dark Hollow Connector (FS #32) Turkey Tail Branch Road (FR #307A) Dick Creek Horse Trail (FS# 27/307) Dark Hollow Horse Trail (FS #28)
FOCUS AREA
PROJECT NAME
PROJECT RECOMMENDATION
• Maintain existing infrastructure
Rock Creek Recreation Area
Rock Creek Trailhead
Rock Creek Recreation Area Trail System
Rock Creek Falls Trail (FS #148)
Rattlesnake Ridge Trail (FS #26)
Pleasant Garden Overlook
Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower Trail Trailhead
Erwin Linear Trail Extension (North)
• Conduct a planning process to reimagine the recreation area to address a centralized trailhead, trail connectivity, and additional campsites
• Define at a centralized location and enhance
• Maintain and assess for improvements - Rock Creek Bicycle Trail (FS #178)
• Hemlock Forest Trail (FS #179) Trail of the Hardwoods (FS #525)
• Maintain, assess for improvements, and consider bridging creek crossings
• Maintain and assess for improvements as access to the Limestone Cove Trail System and Pleasant Garden Overlook
• Maintain, assess for improvements, and enhance with signage
• Enhance trailhead and update kiosk panel
• Conduct landowner outreach, acquire trail easements or corridor, engineer, and develop
PROJECT NAME
PROJECT RECOMMENDATION
INFORMATION AND HIKING HUB
Unaka Mountain Road GatewaySouth
Appalachian Trail - Indian Grave Gap Gateway and Kiosk
Appalachian Trail (North) - Beauty Spot
Martins Creek Appalachian Trail Connector Trail
Appalachian Trail (South) - Rock Stack
• Develop gateway sign for Unaka Mountain Road and Wilderness
• Develop information kiosk (2-Panel) with temporary parking (3 spaces)
• Develop gateway sign and information kiosk (1-panel) or potentially incorporate into the recommendation above
• Maintain and assess for improvements
• Develop new connector from Appalachian Trail to Martins Creek Trail
• Formalize, maintain, and assess existing unofficial trail connection for improvements
Ephiram Place Road - Shinbone Trail (FS #187) to Eagles Nest
• Develop kiosk and small parking area at the trailhead located on Ephiram Place Road (FR #5583) and encourage equestrian and mountain bike access from Indian Grave Gap
• Maintain and assess for improvements - Shinbone Trail (FS #187)
FOCUS AREA
PROJECT NAME
MOUNTAIN BIKING HUB
Unaka Bike Park
Erwin Linear Trail Extension (South)
Downtown Trailhead
PROJECT RECOMMENDATION
• Maintain and expand existing infrastructure
• Conduct landowner outreach, acquire trail easements or corridor, engineer, and develop
• Identify an appropriate location and develop
LAND MANAGER Erwin Utilities
Town of Erwin/ Unicoi County
SITE CLASSIFICATION Trail
Downtown Trailhead Connectors
Martins Creek Trailhead and Trail
• Identify and develop trail and greenway connections to Martins Creek Trailhead, Erwin Linear Trail, and Unaka Bike Park from proposed downtown trailhead
• Expand trailhead and develop information kiosk
• Maintain and assess existing trail for improvements and consider expansion to create loop
Martins Creek Appalachian Trail Connector Trail
Unaka Mountain Bike Trail System
• Develop new connector from Appalachian Trail to Martins Creek Trail
• Plan and develop a purpose-built mountain bike trail system on USFS land east of the existing Unaka Bike Park
Town of Erwin
USFS/ATC
Town of Erwin USFS USFS
Visitor Orientation Area, Trailhead Trailhead, Trail Trail Trail Trail Trail
PROJECT NAME
PROJECT RECOMMENDATION
Appalachian TrailBridge Across the Nolichucky River
Appalachian TrailChestoa Overlook Chestoa Recreation AreaAppalachian Trail Trailhead
• Work with Unicoi County, USFS, and TNDOT on bridge replacement that will highlight the Appalachian Trail route
• Conduct a planning process to reimagine the recreation area to address existing uses and a trailhead for the Appalachian Trail
• Promote hike and destination on kiosk panel at Chestoa Recreation Area trailhead
• Maintain and assess for improvements -
• Appalachian Trail
• Promote loop trail options on kiosk panel at Chestoa Recreation Area trailhead
LAND
MANAGER USFS/ Unicoi County/ ATC
SITE CLASSIFICATION
Trail
Visitor Orientation Area, Developed Site, Trailhead
Visitor Orientation Area
Chestoa Loop Trail Options
Clarks Creek Outdoor Recreation Hub Master Plan
• Maintain and assess for improvements - Temple Hill Trail (FS #524) Granny Lewis Trail (FS #108) Unaka Springs Road (FR #107) Granny Lewis Road (FR #189)
Visitor Orientation Area
Rocky Fork Outdoor Recreation Hub Development
• Conduct a planning process to determine sustainable trail routes and connections for a number of falls located on USFS lands in western Unicoi County
Visitor Orientation Area, Developed Site, Trailhead, Trail
• Conduct a planning process to formalize existing trails/roads utilized in park trail system to USFS lands expansion (to Clarks Creek Hub)
Appalachian TrailSams Gap
• Develop information kiosk (1-Panel)
Visitor Orientation Area, Developed Site, Trailhead, Trail
Visitor Orientation Area, Trailhead
